Back to School Time Reopens Deep Wounds with Sandy Hook Parents

SANDY HOOK, CT — While some parents might be happy their kids will soon be back to school, many in the community have their hearts torn apart all over again. Sandy Hook parent Nelba Marquez-Green, who lost her "Caramel Princess" Ana in the 2012 school shootings, shares this open letter about what back to school time means to her family.

"It's August 1. The back to school commercials are starting. One trip to the store reminds you that fall is coming. Back to school shelves compete with autumn decor! Most teachers I know spend hundreds of dollars of their own money preparing for this. So do parents! Backpacks, shoes, binders and pencils.

"I have one special favor to ask of our followers- and I hardly ever ask for anything. Remember those who do not have the luxury of buying the backpack or having a seat in your classroom. Just remember. Make space for grief in your classroom.

"As we approach this challenging season, we remember those for whom this means remembering NOT what WILL be- but what will NEVER be. We remember Cade, Ana, Matthew, Avi, Jarrell, Ben and more. We remember those parents, families, teachers and peers who must live with loss. Every day. The empty seat. The damned empty seat."

Marquez-Greene shared an article from Still Standing Magazine entitled, "To The Kindergarten Teacher Who Is Missing One…" about grief parents experience due to loss of their children. Lori Ennis shared this:

"This year, as you are preparing your classroom, remember that each one of those sweethearts you are about to call your own is someone’s most precious, precious person. Remember that each Mama and Daddy who trusts you with his or her son or daughter gives a big piece of his or heart away to you every morning.
And, on those days where you would rather be anywhere BUT that classroom (and I get it!), know that there’s a Mama who wishes more than anything her son was in your class. There. With you. His name was Matthew.
He was my beloved first-born son. And he’s the one who won’t be there this year."

Read more here.